Jiwen Fan | Center for Architectural Conservation

During my internship, I had the privilege of working as a research fellow for the Center for Architectural Conservation at two distinct sites, Fort Union, NM and Wupatki, AZ. These two sites, although differing in materials and historical context, share a common need for a meticulous long-term monitoring plan to identify vulnerabilities and optimize maintenance strategy. Our work at both Fort Union and Wupatki allowed me to gain a holistic understanding of the intricacies involved in such projects over the course of a year-long process.

Fort Union, a 19th-century US military fort, holds a pivotal place in the history of the Civil War's western front. This expansive site encompasses more than 30 structures constructed primarily using adobe. The changing climate patterns pose significant threats to the sensitive materials. Throughout the summer fieldwork period, we continued the Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) of adobe walls. Designed during previous seasons, the RAS utilizes questions to precisely address critical conditions and quantify deterioration through a scoring system. It aims to cover the conditions of extensive sites over a short period of time using visual evaluation. We accumulated three years' worth of data, enabling a comprehensive meta-analysis of the methods and initial assessment of deteriorations across the site. This valuable data will aid maintenance personnel in prioritizing structures for preservation efforts. Additionally, our team introduced a new RAS for stone foundations, broadening the scope of the monitoring efforts. We also conducted a thorough survey of foundation construction typologies to grasp a more encompassing understanding of the vulnerabilities associated with the stone foundations. Wupatki, an ancestral Puebloan pueblo constructed on the Moenkopi bedrock ridge, faces more challenges arising from tectonic movements, hydrology, and various geomorphological factors. Our work at Wupatki involved advancing to the second level of documentation following the RAS. By identifying 50 priority wall elevations based on the RAS score, we undertook an in-depth graphic condition assessment, meticulously documenting the condition of stone units, mortars, historic repairs, and reconstructions. Leveraging point cloud orthorectified images as a foundation, we captured fine-resolution details that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of specific conditions of each structure. Such documentation will eventually lead to treatment decisions and plans. Transitioning from fieldwork to office work, our team will embark on producing an array of essential deliverables. These deliverables encompass diverse digital media and include tasks such as RAS data analysis, survey result mapping using ArcGIS, and digitizing documentation outcomes using AutoCAD. These deliverables serve as invaluable tools for conveying survey results to site stakeholders and facilitating the integration of findings into the regular maintenance routines on-site. By participating in projects at their final stages, I gained a profound understanding of the extended timeline inherent in such endeavors. I learned the intricate methods required to design an effective RAS and evaluate its efficiency. Moreover, collaborating with National Park Service staff at various operational levels enriched my understanding of site management and the broader principles for employing sustainable conservation methods. This experience underscored the multidisciplinary nature of preservation projects, exposing me to the convergence of expertise from diverse fields. For instance, our work at Wupatki coincided with a team of engineers from the University of Minho, offering a glimpse into the intricate collaboration that underpins preservation efforts.

In conclusion, my internship experience at the Center for Architectural Conservation provided me with an in-depth understanding of the vulnerability monitoring process, as well as the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of historic preservation projects. As I move forward in my career, I am grateful for the insights gained and the skills honed during this immersive and enlightening internship.